Visitors to California arrive in droves to gawk at celebrities, snap a selfie with Mickey, ride a cable car and so much more. But many come for one reason alone—to lie on the beach. The Golden State is blessed with 840 miles of vainglorious coastline, from sun-kissed beaches in the Southland to misty, moody seashores up north and the best way to see them all is a nose to tail trip in a convertible, a Jeep or a VW Bug. This dream road trip detours around a swath of the Central Coast (due to a winter bridge outage and recent mudslide in Big Sur), but we promise this coastal ride still fulfills every beachcomber’s fantasy.

Black’s Beach: LaJollaTucked underneath UCSD’s studious campus is large and sprawling Black’s, probably the most famous clothing optional beach in America. A trail beginning near the Torrey Pines Glider Port dumps visitors right into the heart of the beach which attracts upwards of a thousand visitors on summer weekends (gays favor the north end.) The water is heavenly in summer and the waves are surf ready, but wear sunscreen: The SoCal sun will smack your naked booty hard.

San Onofre State Beach (Trestles): San ClementeIt may not call itself Surf City USA (that title belongs to Huntington Beach further up the Orange County coastline), but this collection of surf spots near picturesque San Clemente are perhaps the most famous in the entire state. Accessible via a 15-minute walk through a nature trail, this surfer’s paradise is famous for easy paddle outs and perfect peeling left and right handers. Spending the night? Park your vintage VW Bug at San Onofre State Beach Campground.

El Matador: MalibuA mythologized paradise that belongs as much to everyday beach bums as it is does to the rich and famous who live among its hilltops, long and lanky Malibu is first and foremost a sun-worshipper’s playground. Surfers catch a swell a the aptly named Surfider Beach, while families head for Zuma. Skip both in favor of rugged El Matador featuring large boulders, cool rock formations and sea caves. Wait for the magic hour to snap that dream selfie.

Butterfly Beach: Santa BarbaraTechnically in nearby Montecito, pretty Butterfly Beach is famous locally for its sunrises and sunsets—meaning that it’s pretty much awesome morning, noon and (early) night. It also happens to be near the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort so prepare for some serious people watching. Afterward, make the short drive (or long walk) to a wine bar or al fresco eatery in Santa Barbara’s buzzy Funk Zone.

Cayucos State BeachAs millionaires and billionaires continue to snatch up every last piece of real estate on the California coast, the undiscovered beach town is quickly becoming an endangered species. Despite all this this, diminutive Central Coast gem Cayucos remains delightfully sleepy—a throwback to a vanishing California. The beach and pier are perfectly pleasant and the charming downtown sports a bit of an Old West vibe. Don’t miss fish tacos at Ruddell’s Smokehouse.

Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Santa Cruz
Since Northern California weather doesn’t always cooperate, it’s nice to have a beach backup plan and in this case that plan includes funnel cakes, black light miniature golf and the largest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast—all against a stunning mountain backdrop. A family-friendly destination for sure, but also a frenzied fun beach scene in California’s crunchiest coastal college town.

Baker Beach: San FranciscoIf your impression of San Francisco is that of an egalitarian love fest, the vibe at its favorite beach best exemplifies it. Although the water is chilly year round, mile-long Baker has something for everyone; families love the facilities, picnic tables and exploring the abandoned military installation, while singles favor the chill (and clothing-optional north end). The Golden Gate Bridge views are priceless.

Goat Rock Beach: Sonoma CountyUnless the weather Gods happen to be cooperating, this road trip ends on a chilly note, but that’s exactly why we like it. Instead of laying out, bundle up in a sweater with picnic basket and bottle (from a nearby winery) in hand and admire the gorgeous rock formations, lush surroundings, nearby mouth of the Russian River and fellow beachgoers—and by that we mean seals and sea otters.